Article author:
Reuters
Cape Town — South African authorities are investigating the deaths of at least 22 young people found in a popular tavern in a coastal town in East London, state health officials and the president said on Sunday.
State media SABC reported that it died from a possible stampede, but details were unknown as the exact cause of death remained unknown.
The body was transferred to a state morgue, where relatives are expected to help identify both male and female victims, a spokesman for the Eastern Cape Health Department said. One Syanda Manana said.
"We will immediately start an autopsy to find out the possible cause of death," he told Reuters. Izakaya in Enyoube.
"We are talking about 22 bodies now," Manana said, adding that the toxicology test was part of the test.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to the affected families and said he was worried about the situation where young people, who may be under the age of 18, were allowed to gather in taverns. .. Ramaphosa said in his statement that the law must follow that path once the investigation is complete.
"We are calling on our parents to make sure their children are in good health. There is a call in the community not to let them die," said Bheki, Minister of National Police.・ Cele said. A large crowd of Scenery Park during an instant visit broadcast live on television.
A 17-year-old girl named her only "Rory" and told Reuters that she lived near a tavern. She wanted to shut it down after the tragedy.
"Everyone wants to shut down because they sell alcohol to underage children. Everyone is angry and everyone is sad about what happened." she said.
Former Brigadier General Tenbin Koshikinana said police were warned by the general public about the incident at Scenery Park, about 3 km (1.9 miles) from the city center.
"What happened could be the equivalent of a slaughter," East London Mayor Xola Pakati said in a statement. (Report by Wendell Roelf, edited by Toby Chopra and Emeria Sithole-Matarise)
